Köprülü Canyon Rafting Route: Every Stop From the Bridge to Lunch

Looking for the river itself? Read our Köprüçay River guide, or see rafting tour prices and pickup.

The Rafting Route at a Glance

A rafting day in Köprülü Canyon is more than the time in the boat. Before you paddle, you cross an ancient bridge, stop at natural springs and waterfalls, swim in an ice-cold pool and walk a short forest trail to the river. Then comes the 14 km run down the Köprüçay, which ends on the riverbank at our restaurant, where lunch is waiting. This page walks you through the route stop by stop, so you know what to expect.

Stop 1: Crossing the Oluk Bridge

On the way to the start, the road crosses the Oluk Bridge, the oldest of the historic bridges in the canyon. The narrow stone arch spans the gorge high above the river and dates from the Roman period, and the canyon and the national park take their name, Köprülü ("with a bridge"), from bridges like this one. Have your camera ready: the view down into the gorge is one of the best of the day.

Stop 2: Springs and Waterfalls Below the Bridge

Below the Oluk Bridge, natural springs pour out of the rock into the river, forming small waterfalls. We stop here so you can see them up close. This is where much of the Köprüçay's cold, clear water comes from, which is why the river feels so fresh even in the middle of summer; see Köprüçay water temperature.

Stop 3: A Swim in an Ice-Cold Pool

Next to the springs there is a natural pool of spring water, cold enough to take your breath away. A quick swim here is a good wake-up before the rafting. If you prefer to stay dry until the boat, you can simply watch from the side.

Stop 4: A Short Forest Walk to the Boats

From the pool, a short path leads through the forest to the river. The walk takes about 10 minutes and is easy, but closed shoes help on the uneven ground. At the end of the trail the rafting boats are waiting, and the guides give the safety briefing and practise the paddle commands with your crew.

Stop 5: Rafting From the Roman Bridge

The rafting starts below the historic Roman bridge. From here you paddle 14 km down the Köprüçay through Köprülü Canyon: short Class 1–2 rapids, calm stretches for floating and swimming, and steep canyon walls on both sides. Each boat carries 10 to 12 guests and one certified guide.

Stop 6: The Finish and Lunch by the River

The tour ends on the riverbank at our restaurant. After you change and shower, an open buffet lunch is served right by the river, where you can eat, rest and look back at the canyon you have just paddled through. Guests on a combo package continue from here with their next activity.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Wear a swimsuit and bring closed water shoes; flip-flops are not allowed in the boat.
• Leave valuables in storage at the base before the start.
• Rafting starts at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00; with hotel pickup it costs 29 €, without transfer 19 €.
• No swimming is needed and the minimum age is 5.

To book, message us on WhatsApp at +90 534 820 11 69. For the history of the area, see Selge ancient city.